Messi Inspires Argentina Fightback as Holders Edge England in Dramatic Semi-Final
Defending champions Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain in New York New Jersey on Sunday.
England appeared on course to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead early in the second half, but Argentina responded with two late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lisandro Martinez to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into their seventh World Cup final and keeps alive their hopes of becoming back-to-back world champions.
The highly anticipated semi-final between two of international football’s biggest rivals began with both teams showing caution in a tense and closely fought contest.
Clear chances were difficult to come by, with the first meaningful opportunity arriving in the 33rd minute when John Stones headed a Declan Rice free-kick wide of the target. Argentina responded through Fernandez, who fired a powerful effort over the bar.
After the restart, Argentina pushed forward in search of the breakthrough, with Julian Alvarez forcing a smart save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after beating Djed Spence from a long pass.
However, it was England who struck first. Morgan Rogers delivered a superb low cross from the right, and Gordon timed his run perfectly to beat Nahuel Molina and guide a composed finish into the corner of Emiliano Martinez’s net.
With England defending deeper, Argentina increased the pressure as they chased an equaliser.
Spence produced a crucial challenge to deny Giuliano Simeone, while Pickford kept England ahead with an impressive save from Nico Gonzalez’s header. Alexis Mac Allister also came close when his header struck the post.
Argentina’s persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Following a short-corner routine, Lionel Messi found Fernandez, who unleashed a brilliant strike beyond Pickford to level the contest.
The holders completed the comeback deep into stoppage time when Messi kept the attack alive after Mac Allister’s effort hit the post before delivering a cross that Martinez headed home at the far post.
Messi, who was named the Player of the Match, also made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semi-final at 39 years and 21 days, surpassing the previous record held by Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren.
England captain Harry Kane, meanwhile, earned his 121st international appearance, becoming the most capped outfield player in Three Lions history.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, with Scaloni’s team one victory away from successfully defending their world title.
